2003 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 95 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 7 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
Campaign 16V361000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
Campaign 16V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsDec 1, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Campaign 14V763000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 29, 2013
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Campaign 13E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesMar 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 04V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, frontJun 26, 2003
ON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CERTAIN LEFT-HAND FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FORM AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN A SALT-BELT AREA, CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO SALT COULD CAUSE THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK TO RUST AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
IF THE TRANSVERSE LINK WERE TO BREAK DUE TO RUSTING, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL APPLY ANTI-RUST MATERIAL TO THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V232000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 22, 2003
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.
IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 30, 2002
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 02V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling systemSep 13, 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.
IN SOME INSTANCES, THE INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF THE PULLEY CENTER HOLE AND THE WATER PUMP DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS SPECIFIED IN THE DRAWING SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE WATER PUMP PULLEY DISLODGING FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT, WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE/SEIZURE DURING VEHICLE USAGE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 02V240000 on NHTSA.gov
WheelsSep 5, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER.
THIS CAN RESULT IN THE EVENTUAL LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL HUB-NUTS DURING VEHICLE USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL 4 ALUMINUM WHEELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 02V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
95 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 16, 2004
CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT COMPLETELY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS NO ADVANCE WARNING. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *AK.......SUBARU REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE MET WITH OWNER'S HUSBAND AND HAD DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDER SEN TTO SUBARU FOR EVALUATION. REPRESENTATIVE CALLED AFTER A FEW WEEKS AND REFUSED TO DISCUSS REASONS FOR FAILURE. *AK
Air bags, Nov 5, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
Equipment, Sep 17, 2004
WHILE PLAYING THE CD PLAYER ON THE 7TH TRACK THE CD WOULD SKIP BACK AND FORTH. CONSUMER REMOVED THE CD AND NOTICED THAT THE CD WAS EXTREMELY HOT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THE CD PLAYER WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2004
SERIOUS HESITATION IN FIRST GEAR WHEN STARTING AT INTERSECTIONS (MANUAL TRANSMISSION, 2.5L ENGINE). ENGINE SPEED DROPS SHARPLY. MUST STOMP GAS PEDAL IN UNSAFE MANNER TO RECOVER. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC - SPEED IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MODULATE IN FIRST GEAR WITHOUT USING CLUTCH. ENGINE IS STRONG AND PREDICTABLE IN ALL OTHER GEARS. *JB
Tires, Apr 19, 2004
TWO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES ON OUR SUBARU 2003 OUTBACK FAILED AT 9,800 AND 11,700 MILES OF USE, WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. BOTH STARTED AS SLOW LEAKS FOR ABOUT A WEEK,WHICH WE MONITORED AND FILLED. THEN SUDDENLY A BIG WHITE CIRCULAR SPLIT APPEARED IN THE SIDEWALL ABOUT AN INCH AWAY FROM THE TREAD, AND TIRES WERE DEAD FLAT AND RUINED. FIRST TIRE WAS DRIVER-SIDE REAR; SECOND WAS PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT. WHEN BROUGHT TO FIRESTONE DEALER FOR WARRANTY FULFILLMENT FOR FIRST TIRE, WE WERE TOLD IT WAS OUR FAULT (?!) AND WE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR EXPLANATION FOR SECOND INCIDENT...BUT NOT SURE I WANT ANOTHER OF THESE ON MY CAR. LOCAL SUBARU DEALER SAYS THIS IS FIRST HE'S HEARD ABOUT THESE TIRES, BUT I SEE THREE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA WEBSITE SPECIFIC TO SUBARUS AMONG THE 92 "GENERAL" AND 37 "SIDEWALL" POTENZA COMPLAINTS. TIRE IS P225/60 R1697H. NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY 30 YEARS OF DRIVING.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2004
THROTTLE STIFF WHEN FIRST OPENED. RPM'S WILL JUMP WHEN THROTTLE PRESSED. NOT SMOOTH AT ALL. HARD TO REGULATE SPEED, WITHOUT BUCKING. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL FOR COMPUTER REGULATED CAR. BALONEY.*AK
Wheels, Apr 16, 2004
WHEEL WELLS OF SUBARU OUTBACK PACK UP WITH ICE WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH MOISTURE CONTENT SNOW AND SLUSH, CAUSING TIRES TO RUB ON ICE IN WHEEL WELLS WHILE DRIVING, IMPEDING TURNING RADIUS AND ABS SYTEM.*AK
Power train, Nov 18, 2003
CONSUMER HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN DRIVING. CONSUMER STATED CLUTCH PEDAL WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, MAKING IT HARD TO ENGAGE.*AK
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2003
I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO FROM SENATOR SUBARU, 3655 FLORIN ROAD, SACRAMENTO, CA 95823, 916-427-1234. I PICKED IT UP ON OCTOBER 27, 2003. ON OCTOBER 31, 2003 I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS SHAKING BADLY AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND ON STARTUP. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ON NOVEMBER 1, 2003, AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE RESET AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I DID NOT RECEIVE A SERVICE REPORT CHECK OUT SLIP. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2003 IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND ON NOVEMBER 2, 2003, UPON START UP THE VEHICLE EMITTED A NOXIOUS CLOUD OF SMOKE FROM THE REAR. THE AT OIL TEMP LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE DURATION OF A SHORT DRIVE OF APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 3, 2003. THE MANAGER, MOE, TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT SENATOR SUBARUS PROBLEM; IT WAS SUBARU OF AMERICAS PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE WOULD BE UPSET TOO IF THIS HAPPENED TO HIM. THE DEALER FOUND A CODE 11" WHICH WAS A TRANSMISSION CODE NOT ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENGINE CODE. THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THIS INDICATED THAT THE CAR STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST FOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OF STALLING WHILE BEING DRIVEN OR ON STARTUP FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. (SEE ATTACHED COPIES OF COMPLAINTS). ON NOVEMBER 4, 2003, THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER ASKED ME TO PICK UP THE CAR BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2003, THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER AGAIN CALLED ME AND SAID HE COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE CLEARED THE CODE 11; THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HE ADVISED ME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS A DANGEROUS CONDITION (STALLS WHILE BEING DRIVEN) WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP UNSUCCESSFULLY TWICE.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2003
THE VEHICLE SURGED AFTER COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER RESET THE COMPUTER, BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SURGED NUMEROUS TIMES AFTER THAT, ALWAYS AFTER COMING TO A STOP. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT DEALER, WHO SUGGESTED THE COMPUTER BE REFRESHED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT SURGED SINCE THEN. *AK *SCC *JB
Tires, Aug 31, 2003
WHILE DRIVING IN A MIDDLE LANE ON I-270, I SUDENLY BECAME AWARE OF A BUMPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER THROUGH SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC. WHEN I CHECKED THE TIRES, I SAW THAT THE SIDEWALL OF MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DISATTACHED FROM THE TREAD. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. A FIRESTONE DEALER INSPECTED THE TIRE IN DETAIL, BUT COULD FIND NO PUNCTURE OR OTHER CAUSE OF TIRE FAILURE BESIDES SPONTANEOUS DISINTEGRATION. FIRESTONE WANTED $56 TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY, AFTER TREADWEAR MEASUREMENT, EVEN THOUGH TIRE HAD ONLY 6800 MILES ON IT.*AK
Tires, Aug 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. ORINGINAL TIRES ON VEHICLE. *AK
Power train, Aug 13, 2003
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, AND WITH MULTIPLE DRIVERS, I HAVE HAD 2 2003 OUTBACKS WITH FREQUENT STALLING WHEN MOVING FROM NEUTRAL TO FIRST, OR TO REVERSE. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN MOVING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. SUBARU DENIES RECEIVING PRIOR COMPLAINTS (DESPITE THE MATERIAL ON YOUR SITE) AND IN GENERAL DENIES THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM. THEY ALSO COMPELLED ME TO SIGN A "GAG" CLAUSE AS PART OF A DEAL WHEREBY THEY EXCHANGED CAR # 1 FOR CAR # 2. I HAVE ARBITRARILY PUT IN A SPECIFIC MONTH, DAY AND YEAR BUT IT HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. ALSO CAR # 1 HAD 2 INCIDENTS OF THE ENGINE RUNNING TOO ROUGH TO BE DRIVEN, PROGRESSIVELY LOSING POWER AND THEN QUITTING - WHEN RESTARTED, RAN FINE. ALSO CAR # 1 HAD 1 EPISODE OF TURNING OVER WELL BUT REFUSING TO START.*AK
Power train, Jul 15, 2003
NAR 07-15-2003 THE CONSUMER VEHICLE MADE HIGH FREQUENCY NOISES THAT EFFECTED THE HEARING ON THE DRIVER INSIDE OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED ABOVE 50 ML HR, ALSO SERIES OF STRONG MULTIPLE JERKING OCCURRED. *CB
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *ND WHEN BRAKING TO STOP OR MAKE A TURN THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THEE ARE OTHER VEHICLES (SAME MAKE/MODEL) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *SCC
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 17, 2003
CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF IN INFREQUENT INTERVALS. FIRST AT 375 MILES AND BY 9000 MILES IT DID IT 9 TIMES. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 6 TIMES AND JUST NOW SUBARU IS ADMITTING TO HAVING OTHER CARS WITH THIS ISSUE. ALL 2003 6 CYLINDER ENGINES. I WAS TOLD AFTER THE 4TH TIME AT THE DEALER THAT THEY CANNOT FIX IT, END OF STORY. THEN AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE THEY ARE WORKING ON IT AGAIN. THEY ARE NOW STARTING TO REPLACE STUFF AND WANT TO PUT A BLACK BOX IN. THIS CAR SHUTS OFF ONLY AT A STAND STILL SO FAR BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. SUBARU ADMITS TO HAVING MORE CARS LIKE THIS AND THEY ONLY COULD FIX HALF OF THEM. *JB
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 27, 2003
NAR 03-27-2003 MR THE CAR DIES INTERMITTENTLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-25 MPH ON DECELERATION. THE POWER IS COMPLETELY LOST WITH NO POWER STEERING CONTROL. ADDITIONAL ITEMS NOTICIED .. SHIFTING IN TRANSMISSION AT LOW SPEEDS, DASHBOARD CREAKS AND DRIVERS WINDOW FAULTY. *CB
Steering, Wheels, Mar 4, 2003
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT TURN WHEN NEEDED. *NLM *TS
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2002
DEALER SUBSTITUTED CHEAP AFTERMARKET SECURITY SYSTEM FOR REQUESTED SUBARU UPGRADE, TAMPERING WITH FACTORY WIRING IN PROCESS. WHEN CHALLENGED, DEALER REPLACED SYSTEM WITH SUBARU UPGRADE. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE STRIPPED, SOLDERED AND MOST LIKELY CUT WIRES IN THE FACTORY HARNESS COULD PRODUCE A SHORT OR BACKFEED THAT MAY DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OR LEAD TO FIRE. IN ADDITION, ONE BUNDLE OF WIRES INTERFERES WITH THE MOVEMENT OF MY RIGHT FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE. DT
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2002
THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURED ON 11/14/2002. CAR WAS NOT MOVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEAD, CAR DID NOT TURN OVER. DT